Emetophobia often leads to us creating a large number of avoidance and safety seeking behaviours, which we think we need to stay ‘safe’ (or to stop us from being sick or feeling anxious). These can include things like only eating certain foods, not going to crowded places and excessive hand washing amongst many others. Although we think that these behaviours and habits make us feel better, they actually stop us from challenging ourselves and learning to cope with things that seem scary.

Of course, during lockdown we have to get a bit more creative with how we challenge ourselves, but there’s still plenty that you can do! Why not make your own list of tough but manageable challenges that take you out of your comfort zone and help build up your coping skills. Here are some ideas to get you started or comment with your own lockdown challenges.

🔸Not checking the use by labels on food

🔸Cooking new recipes

🔸Trying food you wouldn’t usually eat (like chicken)

🔸Eating a takeaway and ordering something different or new

🔸Learning a new skill or trying something you wouldn’t usually do

🔸Watching TV programmes, films or videos where someone is sick